Living in Paris elevates the most mundane tasks and observations to a new level of excitement, yet I still searched for something out of the ordinary yesterday.

Circulation(s)

I boarded the 43 bus in the 8th arrondissement and descended one stop before the terminus at the western edge of the Bois de Bologne, thirty minutes later. I walked along a gravel path for another five minutes before entering the grounds of the Parc de Bagatelle, one of Paris’s most historic botanic gardens.

Through the gilded gates I followed the teal blue signs to CIRCULATION(S), an intriguing display of works by forty young European photographers installed in front of ancient statues and trimmed hedges and inside the garden’s Trianon and Galerie Côté Seine neoclassical buildings.

Courtesy of Fet Art.

Courtesy of Fet Art.

From controversial to comical, the array of photographs presents a vision of our world today as seen through the eyes of these emerging artists. The variation of sizes, colors, settings and finishes also demonstrates how these photographers use their craft to document intimate yet often inexplicable surroundings.

The show’s surreal setting proved to be a gratifying destination and the collective energy and sensitivity of the works provided the much needed fresh air.

Festival of Young European Photography is located at Bagatelle Park, Bois de Bologne, Paris. The festival is open through March 25, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and until 8 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit their website.

Courtesy of Fet Art.

Courtesy of Fet Art.

Courtesy of Fet Art.

Photo credits: Susan Lyons & Fet Art.

Susan Lyons is a Paris contributor for The Seen.